天王补心丹

Sheng Di Huang (rehmannia root) 12 g + Tian Dong (asparagus root) 6 g + Mai Dong (ophiopogon root) 6 g + Suan Zao Ren (spiny jujube seed) 9 g + Bai Zi Ren (arborvitae seed) 9 g + Dang Gui (Chinese angelica root) 6 g + Ren Shen (ginseng) 6 g + Wu Wei Zi (schisandra fruit) 6 g + Xuan Shen (scrophularia root) 6 g + Dan Shen (salvia root) 6 g + Fu Ling (poria) 6 g + Yuan Zhi (polygala root) 6 g + Jie Geng (platycodon root) 6 g = 90 g.

Conversion to 5:1 granules:

90 g raw herb ÷ 5 = 18 g granules.

Granule dose: Dissolve in warm water and take in 2 doses, morning and evening, about 9.0 g per dose. (Taking one dose right before sleep gives a better sleep-promoting effect.)

5. Cautions and clinical notes

• Contraindications:
  1. This formula contains many yin-nourishing substances, and so it is contraindicated in Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold with internal obstruction by damp-phlegm (manifesting as reduced appetite, loose stool, and greasy tongue coating).
  2. If the formula contains Zhu Sha (cinnabar), it must not be taken in excess or over a long period, in order to prevent mercury toxicity. ProCare Herbs granules should use a cinnabar-free formulation to ensure safety.
• Features: This formula is especially suited for restlessness of the spirit caused by excessive mental strain together with yin deficiency and blood insufficiency; its power to nourish yin and blood exceeds that of Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube Decoction).
• Modern applications: Widely used for neurasthenia, cardiac neurosis, hyperthyroidism, menopausal syndrome, and the remission phase of schizophrenia, in patterns identified as heart-kidney yin deficiency with blood insufficiency.
• Duration of use: Yin deficiency does not form in a single day, so a certain duration of continuous use is needed before the effect becomes evident; long-term use may be followed as directed by a practitioner.